Work

Impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on quality of life, work productivity and daily activity among men aged 40 years and older: an analytical cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common. They impair quality of life (QoL) and productivity. Objective To evaluate the impact of LUTS on QoL, work productivity and daily activities. Methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study. LUTS were assessed via the IPSS score, QoL was assessed via the IPSS-QoL item, and the WPAI-LUTS questionnaire was used to evaluate absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work productivity and impairment of nonwork daily activities. Adjusted linear regression was used to determine the relationships among the three parameters. Results A total of 344 participants were included, with a mean age of 62 (SD: 9) years. Workers represented 64.2% (private sector 47.1%, public sector 49.8%). The mean IPSS was 9 (7.1) and the IPSS-QoL was 3 (2.2). The mean absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work productivity loss and activity impairment scores were 4%, 10.4%, 12.7% and 13.2%, respectively. After adjustment, IPSS was associated with IPSS-QoL (βa = 0.192; p < 0.001), particularly for storage symptoms (βa = 0.238; p < 0.001), as well as with all WPAI-LUTS domains (βa = 0.73 to 1.76; p < 0.001). Conclusion LUTS are associated with impaired QoL, reduced work productivity and limitations in daily activities among men aged 40 years and older.

Source: African Journal of Urology

DOI: 10.1186/s12301-026-00564-8